I married another F-1 student and we want to have only one I-20. Is it possible?

I-20 forms are personal and non-transferable documents that each F-1 student must individually possess to prove their acceptance and lawful status in the United States. This means that even if married to another F-1 student, each person must have their own I-20, issued by the educational institution sponsoring them.

The I-20 contains specific information about the course, the credit load, and the conditions each student must maintain to remain legally in the country, which reinforces the need for them to be treated individually. Even if you are attending the same institution or even the same program, the nature of the F-1 visa and the I-20 forms requires that each student maintain their own record.

This requirement not only ensures proper monitoring of academic performance but also reflects the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of State, which are strict regarding the maintenance of student status. It is essential to strictly follow U.S. immigration laws and seek information only from official sources or through companies and professionals specialized and reputable in the field.

Avoid trusting promises of results or methods that seem to oversimplify the process, as this can jeopardize both of your statuses with immigration authorities. Staying compliant with the regulations not only guarantees the continuity of your studies but also prevents possible future complications in your immigration processes.

If doubts about this matter persist, it is worth contacting the international office of your educational institution or consulting the official guidelines of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This way, you will be well informed and protected against possible misunderstandings or misleading information.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.